Samoa stay on course with win over USA

Samoa moved to within 80 minutes of a third successive World Cup appearance with a tougher-than-expected victory over international minnows United States at Widnes last night.

They will play either Wales or Lebanon, in Wednesday's repechage final at Featherstone, for the 10th and last spot in next year's World Cup in Australia.

Samoa, led by former New Zealand stand-off Nigel Vagana, had Super League players Hutch Maiava (Hull), Ali Lauitiiti (Leeds) and Harrison Hansen (Wigan) in their pack and led 22-0 at half-time. Vagana took only 90 seconds to give them the lead against former Bradford coach Matthew Elliott's courageous American side, who had lost 70-0 to Cumbria in a warm-up match.

Ryan McGoldrick, the Castleford stand-off, and fellow Australian David Myles crossed for the United States in the second half.

Maiava, Tony Puletua and Chris Lei Sam had also scored tries for Samoa before half-time, Joseph Paulo adding three conversions.

Hansen's determination earned him a brace of tries, with Samoa's other second-half touchdowns coming from Smith Samau and Tangi Ropati, and another two goals from Paulo.